Method of and apparatus for hairdressing

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides an improved method of hairdressing for dreadlocks, the results of which are long lasting without the requirement of extensive and costly maintenance. The method curls locks internally using a length of thread ( 14 ) that is inserted inside each dreadlock ( 16 ) using a needle-like device ( 12 ) and attached to the dreadlock at two or more attachment points ( 18, 20 ). The thread ( 14 ) is tensioned between the two or more points ( 18, 20 ) so as to compress the hair between said points, thereby shortening the length of the dreadlock ( 16 ). This compression also allows for any weak points in the locks ( 16 ) to be condensed and strengthened. If enough shortening is applied, the dreadlock ( 16 ) will reach a point at which it cannot compress any further and will consequently curl or kink. The more tension applied, the more the dreadlock ( 16 ) will curl or kink. Such an effect will last as long as the thread remains inside the dreadlock ( 16 ), and will not be spoilt from every day wear or water exposure.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a method of hairdressing and apparatus for use in said method. In particular, the present invention relates to a method of hairdressing for the styling and maintaining of dreadlocks.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION AND PRIOR ART

Dreadlocks are lengths of hair that are braided, twisted, matted or sculpted over time using various methods to form ropes or locks of hair. Once the hair is formed into such locks, the wearer has limited versatility when it comes to styling. Due to the weight, bulk and structure of the locks, curling or kinking can be difficult. Traditional methods of curling are performed externally using some form of external apparatus. Methods of curling dreadlocks already known in the art typically involve sculpting each dreadlock around some external apparatus such as heated curlers, foils or pipe cleaners. Alternatively, the dreadlocks can be plaited whilst damp to produce a curled effect.

However, all of these processes are tedious and time consuming, and the results tend to last only a couple of weeks, the weight of each dreadlock causing the curls to lose their structure and shape over time. Consistent use of these methods causes locks to lose density and become weakened. Furthermore, if the dreadlocks get wet at any time, the curls are spoilt and must be re-styled once again. Consequently, continuous upkeep is required to maintain the style, which can be both costly and inconvenient.

One popular technique of styling dreadlocks is the Sisterlocks® technique which utilises a small hook-like tool to form micro-sized locks. Because these locks are so thin, it allows for greater versatility so hair can be curled using standard apparatus such as curlers. However, this is an extremely lengthy process, typically taking 10 or more hours to install, a process which must be repeated every 4 to 6 weeks in order to tighten and re-twist the locks. This technique is typically only performed by a trained professional, and so the cost of the initial and subsequent treatments can be considerable.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The present invention addresses the above noted problems by providing an improved method of styling dreadlocks, the results of which are long lasting without the requirement of extensive and costly maintenance. The method curls locks internally using a length of thread that is inserted inside each dreadlock using a needle-like device and attached to the dreadlock at two or more attachment points. The thread is tensioned between the two or more points so as to compress the hair between said points, thereby shortening the length of the dreadlock. This compression also allows for any weak points in the locks to be condensed and strengthened. If enough shortening is applied, the dreadlock will reach a point at which it cannot compress any further and will consequently curl or kink. The more tension applied, the more the dreadlock will curl or kink. Such an effect will last as long as the thread remains inside the dreadlock, and will not be spoilt from everyday wear or water exposure. Shortening of the lock also helps to reduce its weight and ‘pull’ which can cause thinning of the lock at the scalp.

Accordingly, a first aspect of the invention provides a method of hairdressing for dreadlocks, the method comprising securing a length of thread at a first anchor point along a length of a dreadlock, feeding the thread through the dreadlock, the thread being tensioned, and securing the thread at a second anchor point along the length of the dreadlock to thereby maintain tension in the thread between the first and second anchor points, wherein the tension in the thread causes the dreadlock to be compressed between the first and second anchor points. As such, the first anchor point and second anchor point are drawn together by the thread, thereby compressing the hair between.

In some embodiments, the first anchor point is at the end of the dreadlock distal to the scalp, and the second anchor point is at the end of the dreadlock proximal to the scalp. In doing this, the first anchor point is pulled up towards the scalp as it compresses the lock.

Securing the thread at the first or second anchor points may include forming a plurality of backstitches in the dreadlock. This provides a secure point of attachment to the dreadlock.

Alternatively, the securing the thread at the first or second anchor points may include tying a knot in the thread.

In some embodiments, the method further comprises securing the thread at a third anchor point. For example, a third anchor point may be provided between the first and second anchor points, the thread being tensioned between each anchor point. This may be desirable where the lock is very long in length, or where a varying degrees of curl are desired.

In some embodiments, the passing the length of thread through the dreadlock comprises attaching an elongate body to the thread, and passing the elongate body through the dreadlock thereby pulling the thread with it. Preferably, the elongate body is resilient or rigid, and has a pointed end. This helps to guide the elongate body through the centre of the dreadlock.

In some embodiments, the elongate body is a needle. Attaching the thread to the needle thus comprises threading the thread through an eye of the needle in a conventional manner.

Preferably, the elongate body is at least 7 cm in length, alternatively at least 12 in length and alternatively at least 15 cm in length. Such a length is suitable for guiding the elongate body through the centre of the dreadlock.

In some embodiments, the thread may be made of one of natural cotton, polyester, human hair or microfilament thread. Such materials are long lasting and strong enough to ensure the style is held in place without breaking under the strain of everyday wear and tear, whilst also being fine enough that they are hidden from view.

In further embodiments, the thread may be impregnated with natural or essential oils for nourishing the dreadlock, thereby helping to prolong the life of the dreadlock. Additionally or alternatively, the thread may be impregnated with a fragrance.

A second aspect of the invention provides a kit of parts for a method of hairdressing for dreadlocks, the kit of parts comprising a length of thread, and a rigid elongate body having means for attaching the length of thread thereto, wherein the elongate body is a needle of at least 7 cm in length.

In some embodiments, the thread is made of one of natural cotton, polyester, human hair or microfilament thread.

The thread may be impregnated with natural or essential oils. Additionally, the thread may be impregnated with a fragrance.

A third aspect of the invention provides a method of hairdressing, comprising threading a thread through a dreadlock having first and second positions along its length which are spaced apart by a first distance when the dreadlock is tensioned, and attaching first and second portions of the thread to the respective first and second positions of the dreadlock, wherein a second distance between the first and second portions is less than the first distance.

A fourth aspect of the invention provides a method of hairdressing, comprising threading a thread through a dreadlock, and tying ends of the thread to the dreadlock at attachment positions such that the dreadlock is in compression between the attachment positions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will now be described by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 shows a hairdressing apparatus according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates a first stage of a method of hairdressing using the apparatus of FIG. 1 according to a first embodiment;

FIG. 3 illustrates a second stage of a method of hairdressing using the apparatus of FIG. 1 according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 4 illustrates a third stage of a method of hairdressing using the apparatus of FIG. 1 according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 5 illustrates a fourth stage of a method of hairdressing using the apparatus of FIG. 1 according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 6 illustrates a fifth stage of a method of hairdressing using the apparatus of FIG. 1 according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 7 illustrates a sixth stage of a method of hairdressing using the apparatus of FIG. 1 according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 8 illustrates a method of hairdressing using the apparatus of FIG. 1 according to a second embodiment;

FIG. 9 illustrates a method of hairdressing using the apparatus of FIG. 1 according to the second embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a hair dressing apparatus 10 comprising a needle 12 and a length of thread 14. The thread 14 is made of a durable material such as natural cotton, polyester, human hair or monofilament thread such as the invisible thread used by magicians for reasons that will be discussed in more detail below.

FIGS. 2 to 7 illustrate a method of styling a dreadlock 16 using the apparatus 10 shown in FIG. 1. To begin the styling treatment, the needle 12 is inserted through the end of an individual lock 16 distal to the scalp, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. For clarity, the dreadlock 16 is shown in FIGS. 2 to 7 with the scalp omitted. The number of strands of thread 14 used will depend on the density and bulk of each lock 16. For example, fine dreadlocks (less than 1 cm diameter) may only require a single strand, whereas thick dreadlocks (above 2 cm in diameter) may require two or more strands of thread 14. The thread 14 is then secured to the lock 16, for example, by performing a number of backstitches to form a first anchor point 18 or attachment position within the distal end of the lock 16, as shown in FIG. 4. In this respect, the number of backstitches required will depend on the size and length of the lock 16, but at least 3 or 4 backstitches is preferable to provide a secure anchor point 18 at the distal end of the dreadlock 16. The thread 14 may be secured in any suitable way, provided that the thread 14 is firmly attached to the lock 16 and that the resulting anchor point 18 is preferably hidden within the dreadlock 16.

Once the first anchor point 18 has been created, the needle 12 is threaded up through the centre of the lock 16, thereby pulling the thread 14 through the centre of the lock 16, as shown in FIG. 5. To facilitate this, the needle 12 needs to be long and rigid to allow it to be easily fed through the centre of the lock 16. Preferably, the needle 12 is between 7 cm and 12 cm in length, and may be up to 15 cm in length.

As the thread 14 is pulled taught, the bottom of the lock 16 is pulled upwards towards the scalp by the first anchor point 18, causing the lock 16 to compress and consequently decrease in length. This in itself provides extra structural stability to the lock 16 by providing a supporting element throughout its length. As the thread 14 is pulled tighter, the lock 16 eventually begins to curl or kink, as shown in FIG. 6. The tighter the thread 14 is then pulled, the greater the curl or kink. As such, the amount of tension exerted on the thread 14 determines the level of curl achieved.

Once the desired effect has been achieved, the thread 14 is secured to the lock 16 proximal to the scalp, as shown in FIG. 7, for example, by performing a number of backstitches in the lock 16. In doing this, a second anchor point 20 or attachment position is formed without putting any tension on the top of the lock 16 and causing a point of weakness. Once the second anchor point 20 has been formed, the free portion of the thread 14 is cut away and the tension in the thread 14 is maintained between the two anchor points 18, 20, holding the style in place. This process is significantly easier than those currently known in the art, with each lock taking only a few minutes to complete.

The device 10 is suitable for use with locks 16 of any length, however, for long locks 16 (say, over 25 cm), at least a two-step approach is preferable. Once the initial anchor point 18 has been created, the needle 12 and thread 14 are fed along the lower portion of the lock 16, the thread 14 being pulled taught to create the desired effect and a central anchor point 22 created, as shown in FIG. 8, thereby securing the curl in the lower portion of the lock 16. The needle 12 and thread 14 are then re-inserted up through the centre of the upper portion of the lock 16, the thread 14 being pulled taught to create the desired curl and secured near the scalp, as shown in FIG. 9. Such a two-step approach provides more structural stability and an evenly distributed curl through the length of the lock 16. Alternatively, the thread 14 in the lower portion of the lock 16 may have a different level of tension than the thread 14 in the upper portion of the lock 16 to achieve varying degrees of curl or kink. For very long dreadlocks (say, over 40 cm), the steps shown by FIGS. 4 to 7 may be repeated as many times as necessary to provide the desired effect throughout the lock 16.

Whilst the thread 14 and anchor points 18, 20, 22 are shown in FIGS. 4 to 9, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that this is for illustrative purposes only, and that in use the thread 14 and anchor points 18, 20, 22 will be hidden from view by the lock 16 itself. As such, it is important that the thread 14 is made of a fine material that cannot be seen through the locks 16, whilst still being robust enough to provide a tension throughout the lock 16 without breaking under the strain of everyday wear and tear.

The above provides a method of styling dreadlocks that is believed to be faster than methods currently known in the art, the results of which are more durable and longer lasting. One particular advantage is that the locks 16 will not lose their form over time due to everyday wear. For example, the styled locks 16 will remain intact when exposed to water, thus enabling the wearer to wash their dreadlocks or engage in water activities as often as they like without spoiling the style. Consequently, the amount of maintenance required and the associated costs are significantly reduced, the only maintenance required being that to account for hair growth. As the hair grows, the initial thread 14 can either be replaced with a longer thread 14 to accommodate the new length, or an additional length of thread 14 may be inserted into the newly grown part of the lock 16, leaving the original thread 14 in place. As such, this method of styling can be as permanent as the wearer wishes it to be, with the thread 14 capable of being left within a lock 16 for as long as 12 months without any significant deterioration. Should the wearer no longer want their hair styled in this way, the thread 14 can be simply removed and the locks 16 will return to their original state.

In some instances, for example, if the (male) wearer is not interested in curling the lock 16, the thread 14 can be used solely as a support element to enhance the structural integrity of the lock 16, as well as adding nourishment and fragrance as will be discussed below. For example, once the thread 14 has been threaded through the centre of the lock 16, it may be pulled tight only to the extent that the lock 16 shortens and thickens slightly, before the thread 14 is then secured near the scalp. That is to say, the thread 14 is not tightened to the point that a curl is created. In doing this, the density along the length of dreadlock 16 is increased giving greater fullness and body to the overall hairstyle. This is particularly advantageous for locks 16 that are damaged or have started to thin over time.

To improve the condition of the locks 16 further, the thread 14 may be impregnated with natural or essential oils such as castor oil, coconut oil, ylang-ylang oil, Jojoba oil or any other suitable oil made of natural ingredients. Such oils can help to preserve the thread 14 itself to increase its longevity, whilst also nourishing and adding fragrance to the surrounding hair. Such oils may be provided, for example, by chemically treating the thread 14 with the oils or by forming the thread 14 itself from a material that is naturally high in essential oils suitable for the treatment of hair. The thread 14 may also be impregnated with scented oils to provide the locks 16 with a pleasant scent. For example, the thread 14 may be impregnated with a lavender or rose scented fragrance.

Various modifications will be apparent to those in the art and it is desired to include all such modifications as fall within the scope of the accompanying claims.

For example, instead of using a needle 12 as described above another elongate body that is rigid and/or resilient may be used, the elongate body preferably being pointed to help guide it through the lock 16.

Instead of using a backstitch to attach the thread to each dreadlock, the anchor points 18, 20, 22 may be achieved by performing any suitable stitch or by tying a knot in the thread 14. Alternatively, the thread 14 may be secured in the lock 16 by means of a suitable adhesive, glue or heat.

In the method described above the first anchor point is distal to the scalp. In alternative methods the first anchor may be proximal to the scalp. 

1. A method of hairdressing for dreadlocks, the method comprising: securing a length of thread at a first anchor point along a length of a dreadlock; feeding the thread through the dreadlock, the thread being tensioned; and securing the thread at a second anchor point along the length of the dreadlock to thereby maintain tension in the thread between the first and second anchor points, wherein the tension in the thread causes the dreadlock to be compressed between the first and second anchor points.
 2. A method according to claim 1, wherein the first anchor point is at an end of the dreadlock distal to the scalp.
 3. A method according to claim 1, wherein the second anchor point is at an end of the dreadlock proximal to the scalp.
 4. A method according to claim 1, wherein the securing the thread at the first or second anchor points includes forming a plurality of backstitches in the dreadlock.
 5. A method according to claim 1, wherein the securing the thread at the first or second anchor points includes tying a knot in the thread.
 6. A method according to claim 1, wherein the method further comprises securing the thread at a third anchor point.
 7. A method according to claim 1, wherein the passing the length of thread through the dreadlock comprises: attaching an elongate body to the thread; and passing the elongate body through the dreadlock thereby pulling the thread with it.
 8. A method according to claim 7, wherein the elongate body is resilient or rigid.
 9. A method according to claim 7, wherein the elongate body has a pointed end.
 10. A method according to claim 7, wherein the elongate body is a needle and attaching the thread to the needle comprises threading the thread through an eye of the needle.
 11. A method according to claim 7, wherein the elongate body is at least 7 cm in length.
 12. A method according to claim 7, wherein the elongate body is at least 12 cm in length and alternatively at least 15 cm in length.
 13. A method according to claim 1, wherein the thread is made of one of: natural cotton, polyester, human hair or microfilament thread.
 14. A method according to claim 1, wherein the thread is impregnated with natural and/or essential oils for nourishing the dreadlock.
 15. A method according to claim 1, wherein the thread is impregnated with a fragrance.
 16. A kit of parts for a method of hairdressing for dreadlocks, the kit of parts comprising: a thread; and a needle at least 7 cm in length.
 17. A kit of parts according to claim 16, wherein the thread is made of one of: natural cotton, polyester, human hair or microfilament thread.
 18. A kit of parts according to claim 16, wherein the thread is impregnated with natural and/or essential oils.
 19. A kit of parts according to claim 16, wherein the thread is impregnated with a fragrance.
 20. A method of hairdressing, comprising: threading a thread through a dreadlock having first and second positions along its length which are spaced apart by a first distance when the dreadlock is tensioned; and attaching first and second portions of the thread to the respective first and second positions of the dreadlock, wherein a second distance between the first and second portions is less than the first distance.
 21. (canceled) 